Several small businesses in Sundre were recognized at the second annual small business dinner event, on the evening of Oct. 22 at the Sundre Legion.
Eighteen awards were handed out for six different categories, including a gold award and then a silver and bronze for the runner-ups. Members of the Sundre & District Chamber of Commerce voted for the businesses last month.
Sundre councillor Chris Vardas presented the awards. Guests were treated to a buffet dinner, which was cooked by the legion's ladies auxiliary, and guest speaker Todd Hirsch spoke about Alberta's economy.
The Farm Family of the Year gold award went to the Bowhay family, silver went to the Bysterveld family and bronze went to the Overguard family.
The Community Spirit gold award went to Sobeys, silver went to Greenwood Neighbourhood Place and bronze went to Duayne Saunders Sand & Gravel.
The Employee of the Year gold award went to Amanda Carrier with Outwest Truck & Car Wash, silver went to Colleen Mueller with Maxwell Capital Realty and bronze went to Denica Crosbie with the Town of Sundre.
The Business of the Year for up to 10 employees gold award went to Little Country Cappuccino, silver went to Outwest Truck & Car Wash and bronze went to Hairway to Heaven.
The Business of the Year for 11 to 20 employees gold award went to ATB Financial, silver went to Integra Tire and bronze went to Swamp Donkeys Pub.
The Business of the Year for 21-plus employees gold award went to Sobeys, silver went to Duayne Saunders Sand & Gravel and bronze went to Sundre Forest Products.
“I think it's very important to recognize all the businesses in Sundre and area,” said Marty Mennear, president of the chamber. “It is a good time to recognize the special businesses that stand out in our community.”
As a recipient of two awards, as he is also the co-owner of Sobeys, he said it was a “very special” feeling. Small business is crucial to Sundre, he said.
“I think that's where communities begin, is with small business. And building a stronger community comes with building more business, so it's vital to the community to have.”
Something unique to Sundre is how generous the businesses are, and that it isn't always easy to say no to customers, he added.
Monica St. Dennis, treasurer of the chamber and branch manager of ATB Financial, said she was happy with how the event turned out and was in favour of honouring the runner-up businesses as well.
Last year's awards were only provided to the top contestant of each category and only the winners were invited to the dinner event.
“It's good to celebrate,” said St. Dennis. “Sometimes businesses only have so much, and so I'm sure there are times when it doesn't feel that good to have to say no or to realize you've reached your cap,” she expressed.
“This way, there's no pressure, no one has to buy anything. They just have to come and be celebrated, so I think these are really important for the community.”
Last year, ATB Financial entered a three-way partnership with the town and the chamber to put on the first annual small business dinner event, where there were seven awards presented.
